Toronto, November 23, 2010 – The Ontario Arts Foundation announced comedian Mike Rita as this year’s recipient of the $5,000 Tim Sims Encouragement Fund Award. The award is presented to promising comedic performers or troupes in the early stages of their comedy careers.
Mike was chosen as the winner at the Cream of Comedy performance, which showcased the five finalists for the award at Second City. Mike is a young comic from the gritty west side of Toronto. He is an observational comic with a mix of street smarts and funny who has learned to take his street savvy ways into the comedy clubs.
The winner is selected by a jury composed of members of the comedy community, from nominations. This year`s jury consisted of Brian Barlow, Calvin Storoschuk, Dawn Whitwell, Linda Ellis and Lisa Merchant.
In its 15th year, the Tim Sims Encouragement Fund was established in memory of Toronto comedic performer, Tim Sims. Previous winners include Nathan Fielder (This Hour Has 22 Minute, CBC), Craig Lauzon and Jessica Holmes (Air Farce, CBC).
The Tim Sims Encouragement Fund is administered by the Ontario Arts Foundation.
For more information:
Alan Walker
Executive Director
Ontario Arts Foundation
416-969-7413 or awalker@arts.on.ca / www.ontarioartsfoundation.on.ca